The number of practising medical doctors in the UK is expected to grow steadily from 210,090 in 2024 to 220,970 by 2028, according to forecasts. This reflects a consistent annual growth rate. In 2023, the actual figure stood at 207,340, indicating a healthy increase in the medical workforce. The year-on-year growth is around 1.3%-1.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 1.75% over the forecast period.
Future trends to watch for include:
- An increase in demand for healthcare services due to an aging population.
- Potential impacts of healthcare policy changes on the medical workforce infrastructure.
- Advancements in digital health technologies which might alter traditional roles and demands for certain specializations within the medical field.
- Implications of Brexit and international recruitment policies on the availability of foreign-trained medical professionals.